Search - French Anonymous, Gregorian Chant, Cristobal de Morales :: Music for Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor

Jubilate Deo -Not to be missed.

Niall Fox | Ireland | 02/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you have a recording of it to hand, listen to Palestrina's motet "Dum Complementur Dies Pentecostes" and then listen to the Gloria on this disc from Morales' "L'homme Armee mass".Morales was a predecessor of Palestrina in the Papal chapel, and there is obvious evidence here of his influence on the more celebrated composer(i.e.in our time,for Morales was held second to none in his own).The music and performance on this disc lacks absolutely nothing. I listened to it and enjoyed, sitting on my chair and saying after every one "that was great" or "lovely", or whatever.That was up until track 14. After that one I slowly, and wondering what hit me ,picked myself up of the floor! Quite honestly I was literally dazed. "Jubilate Deo" by Morales is quite extraordinary - or is it the singing? I hope both. The high tenor voice comes searingly across -and this could be controversial -I love it but others may find it strident , or even vulgar,and the rest of the ensemble is not shy either.My view of it is that it sounds as if they care! This is a motet not possible to ignore.For once Gombert does not grab the limelight (for me) on a compilation, but the identity of the thief is no surprise to me.I must also mention the Crecquillon piece - there is a lot else to enjoy here."